Lemur catta
Diet: Omnivore; fruit, leaves, insects, small birds and lizards
Lifespan: 19 years in the wild, 27+ in captivity
Habitat/Range: South Madagascar deciduous forests preferably along rivers
Conservation Status: NT near threatened
The Ring-tailed Lemur is active during the daylight hours, living in highly social groups of up to 30 individuals. These lemurs love to sun bathe and can often be seen sitting “yoga style” facing the sun. Both sexes mark their territory with scent glands but males engage in stink fights by impregnating the tail with scent and flicking it at opponents. This lemur has a specialized rear claw and lower incisors which are used exclusively for grooming it;s fur. The ring-tail is able to thrive in temperatures as cold as 19 degrees fahrenheit by wrapping it;s tail around it’s body and cuddling with other group members in what is known as a lemur ball. Diminishing habitat is the lemur’s biggest threat to survival.
